Francis Marion National Forest
May 1st, 2007 All Articles, Community Info, Things to See and Do Daniel Bates
The 250,000 acre Francis Marion National Forest was established in 1936 by President Franklin Roosevelt. The forest is named after Brigadier General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion, South Carolinas Revolutionary War hero, who thwarted the English troops by the use of his guerilla tactics in the swamps of the Lowcountry (The Patriot, starring Mel Gibson, was loosely based on the Swamp Fox).
This federally protected forest surrounds McClellanville to the north, south and west and acts as a natural buffer from encroaching development.
Pine, oak, and cypress trees call this land home, as well as numerous protected animal including the bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker, and American alligator. The US Forest Service manages the forest which is open to the public for camping, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking.
There are more than 120 miles of trails to explore, including the start of the Palmetto Trail which continues all the way to the mountains of South Carolina. For more information on the forest visit the U.S Forestry site or The Sewee Visitor Center, 5821 Highway 17 North, Awendaw, SC 29429.
[...] 7. Enjoy Nature – Whether it’s a hike through the National Forest, A bike ride on the Palmetto Trail, or a stroll on Skipper’s Point, nature is all around us and is always a nice, relaxing way to spend your time. [...]
[...] 6) To start with, McClellanville is ideally located between two massive federally protected wildlife area. These protected lands act as a buffer between the town and other growing areas and their urban sprawl. The Francis Marion National Forest’s 26,000 acres of land wrap around McClellanville to the North, South and West. There are literally miles and miles of protected forest between McClellanville and all of its nearest neighbors. The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge contains over 66,000 acres of protected creeks, marshes, and islands to the East of McClellanville. Our beaches are pristine and only accessible by boat. You won’t find any beach houses, causeways, or parking lots popping up on these small islands as long as this area remains a Federally protected sanctuary. Both areas are home to many endangered species and are breeding grounds for hundreds of species. [...]